CHEYENNE, Wyo. — With southeastern Wyoming now in the thick of summer, the Laramie County Board of Commissioners has taken steps to minimize wildfire risk in the county for the time being.
The governing body unanimously approved an item during its meeting Tuesday that will result in Stage 1 fire restrictions being imposed in Laramie County starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday “until further notice,” the resolution reads. The Laramie County Fire Warden’s office recommended the restrictions to the board due to the “high to extreme fire danger” in the area from drought conditions in the spring.
The use of fireworks as well as all outdoor fires in unimproved areas are prohibited under the restrictions, while campfires are only allowed at residences or campsites as long as they are within a fire ring centered within a minimum 15-foot radius cleared of burnable material.
Trash and refuse fires are also not allowed between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., and when allowed must be inside containers with spark arresters and are subject to the same 15-foot rule as campfires. Charcoal fires in enclosed grills, cutting torches, portable stoves and gas lanterns — among other items — are permitted as long as their use abides by the 15-foot rule.
Emergency personnel engaging in “performance of an official duty” or other job-related activities — such as fire and law enforcement — are exempt from the restrictions. Those found to be in violation of the order could be subjected to a $100 fine, up to 30 days’ imprisonment, or both.
